Overview
Production Manager Jobs in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa at RCL FOODS
Title: Production Manager
Company: RCL FOODS
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Closing Date 2026/09/07
Reference Number RCL260828-1
Company RCL Foods
Job Title Production Manager
Functions Operations/Manufacturing
Job Type Classification Permanent
Location – Town / City Pretoria
Location – Province Gauteng
Location – Country South Africa
Job Description
RCL FOODS is a deeply rooted South African food manufacturer that produces some of the country’s most-loved brands: Yum Yum peanut butter, Nola mayonnaise, Ouma rusks, and Sellati sugar, just to name a few. At the heart of our culture and strategy is our Purpose – WE GROW WHAT MATTERS – which encapsulates our belief in collectively doing that little more to create a positive impact that matters.
Visit our website at: www.rclfoods.com
Are you an experienced manufacturing leader with a passion for operational excellence? We are seeking a dynamic Production Manager for our Pretoria site, to lead production operations, drive efficiency, manage costs, and develop high-performing teams within a fast-paced FMCG manufacturing environment.
Purpose of the Role
To manage multiple production and packing lines, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing while meeting production, quality, food safety, and compliance standards. The successful candidate will lead operational excellence initiatives, optimize resources, and drive a high-performance culture across the department.
Minimum Requirements
- Diploma or Degree in Production Management, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
- Relevant manufacturing or leadership qualification/certification advantageous.
- Wheat or Maize Milling qualification and practical experience will be advantageous.
- Previous experience in bread production and baking is preferred.
- 6-7 years’ experience in an FMCG manufacturing environment, including at least 5 years in a management role.
- Strong knowledge of production management, SHEQ systems, labour legislation, and manufacturing best practices.
- Proven experience managing large teams, budgets, and complex manufacturing operations.
- Strong computer literacy and systems orientation.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead daily production, processing, and packing operations to consistently achieve production targets, quality standards, and customer requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize processes, reduce waste, improve productivity, and increase equipment reliability.
- Manage departmental budgets, monitor expenditure, and implement cost-control measures to improve profitability.
- Align production plans with business objectives and ensure optimal use of labour, equipment, and materials.
- Coordinate with Planning, Engineering, SHEQ, Procurement, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless operations.
- Monitor production performance and KPIs, analyze trends, and implement corrective actions when required.
- Lead, coach, and develop production teams through performance management, succession planning, and employee development initiatives.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, health and safety, environmental, quality, and labour legislation requirements.
- Manage operational projects and implement initiatives that improve productivity, product quality, and overall plant performance.
- Make critical operational decisions to safeguard product quality, employee safety, and business continuity.